Start with Upgrade to DAC?
I am ready to set out on an upgrade cycle to my system, which consists of the following, over the next couple of years:
* Rogue Audio RP-7 Preamp (Upgrades: Rogue RP-9 or McIntosh C2800--C2800 includes Phono preamp and DAC)
* Odyssey Kismet Monobloc Amplifiers (Keepers!)
* Lounge Audio LCR Gold phono preamp (Keeper!)
* Fyne Audio F-702 Speakers (Keepers!)
* Definitive Tech Supercube 6000 (Vandersteen Sub Three or Paradigm XR11)
* Schiit Bifrost 2/64 DAC (Schiit Yggydraseil or ????)
* NAD C568 CD Player used as transport (Schiit Urd or ???)
* iFi Zen Stream
*iPad Pro for Apple Music
* Ice Age Audio OFC Power Cords
* Audioquest and mostly Morrow Interconnects (RCA & XLR)
* Performance Audio Speaker Cables, using Mogami W3104 Speaker Wire
I am thinking that perhaps the best place to start would be the DAC, with the idea of moving from the Bifrost 2/64, which I like, to the Yggdrasil (model TBD) DAC, which has gotten superb reviews that speak to sound quality characteristics that are of concern to me. Budget for DAC upgrade is about $2500. OR, should I go for room correction capability?
I recently replaced a highly-rated 100 wpc tube amplifier with the Odyssey mono blocs, and I was stunned by the improvement in sound quality, definition, and imaging, but I think there still is some room for improvement.
Thoughts and recommendations most welcome.
@slorider45 I haven't heard the Denefrips, but I know they get good reviews. You might also research the Gustard R26 r2r dac. It's what I have and I'm very happy with it. It's one of the least expensive pieces in my system, but I don't feel the need to upgrade. |
Long but interesting video by Rob Watts covering a lot of ground on DACs, sources, cables, power supplies. |
Upgrade your speakers ,having owned a audio store and the art of modding electronics myself Upgrading Loudspeakers weak link ,the Xover is over 80% of loudspeakers including many expensive Loudspeakers , why for most companies put in average at best capacitors, and resistors , it’s all about $$ . man6 use either Solen, or the mid grade white Mundorf capacitors , and $4 resistors sad but true . I upgrade Every Loudspeaker I own ,ad well as many Audiophile friends. Which is a Substantial audio upgrade. |
mike4597 As others have said, you have 3 glaring weak spots: Streaming service (move to Qobuz or Tidal), streamer, and DAC If I were in your shoes, I would upgrade the DAC first. I'd look at: Denafrips Pontus II R2R ladder DAC (I own this DAC - $1,500 used), Schitt Yggy LIM DAC ($1,750 used), Laiv Harmony DAC ($2,700 new), or the recently released LTA Aero DAC ($3,950 new). I've not heard the LTA, but it's getting great reviews already. Whatever is left (or when you can save more), then upgrade the streamer once you've got a nice DAC |
